Columbus Earth Day event is a natural

Earth Day is just a few weeks away, and the Bartholomew County Solid Waste Management District plans to host a day of events and activities free and open to county residents on Friday, April 26.

The day of events, sponsored by Toyota Material Handling, will unfold from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Columbus/Bartholomew County Recycling Center, 720 S. Gladstone St., Columbus.

Educational displays, children’s activities and booths will be available throughout the day, which also will include the following:

Amnesty for hard-to-dispose of wastes: Bartholomew County residents (no businesses) may dispose of up to two refrigerant-containing appliances, up to two propane gas grill tanks, and up to four personal vehicle tires at no cost. TVs and monitors may be disposed of for $20.

Mulch/compost loading: County residents can get a free pickup truckload of mulch or compost from 8 a.m. to noon.

Plant swap and tree giveaway: County residents can bring plants to swap, master gardeners will share tips, and the Bartholomew County Public Library’s Cleo Seed Share program will be on hand. Also, Toyota Material Handling has donated Norway spruce and persimmon trees that will be given away to encourage tree planting that supports local habitat.

Document shredding: Residential quantities of documents will be accepted for secure shredding from 9-11 a.m.

Hot dog roast: A hot dog roast with chips and drinks will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit the district’s website, bcswmd.com.